1. A tall perennial grass native to North America, having blue-purple coloring on the stem and commonly found in prairie grasslands.
Usage: Also called big bluestem or turkey foot when referring to Andropogon gerardii.; Common in ecological and agricultural contexts.

Examples

• The prairie was dominated by bluestem grasses that swayed in the wind.
• Ranchers value bluestem for its nutritional content as livestock forage.
• The field turned a striking blue-purple color in late summer when the bluestem matured.
• Native bluestem species are being restored to degraded grasslands across the Midwest.
• Bluestem roots extend deep into the soil, helping prevent erosion.